What is the purpose of Medicare Part C?

The purpose of Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is to allow private companies to offer Medicare benefits. This program combines the coverage of Medicare Parts A and B and often includes additional benefits such as vision and dental services, but the primary function is to provide an alternative to traditional Medicare through private health plans.

Under Medicare Part C, beneficiaries can receive their Medicare benefits through these private insurance plans, which may have different rules, costs, and coverage options compared to traditional Medicare. This structure aims to enhance service provision by encouraging competition among insurers and can lead to more tailored health plans that meet the unique needs of beneficiaries.

The other options do not reflect the comprehensive nature or the intent behind Medicare Part C: limiting coverage to specific services like vision or dental does not encompass the overall purpose, and reforming Medicare into a single-payer system is outside the framework of what Medicare Part C aims to achieve.